Evaluate Amazon L4 offer

Mar 23, 2017 12 Comments

My friend got an offer from Amazon Seattle for L4 research scientist position. Does it look too low?

She is a PhD MSFT data scientist with 2 years of experience.

Base: 130k
Sign on bonus: 33k (18k year 1, 15k year 2)
Stock: about 50k

Total comp: ~150k first year.

How does these numbers compare to Amazon comps?

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TOP 12 Comments
  • Amazon
    YMKD24

    Go to company page Amazon

    YMKD24
    She should be hired at minimum as a level 5 (with a PhD).

    But.... two years at Microsoft (who starts PhDs at level 60), and not pushed to 61, is kinda a red flag.. so maybe she goofed the interview, and they decided to down-level to extend an offer.

    For level 4, that is an ok offer. But, she shouldn't accept.
    Mar 23, 2017 4
    • Amazon / Eng
      м

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      м
      Amazon cares very little. Base for PhD college new hire is usually $5k higher than base of BS college hire.
      Mar 23, 2017
    • Amazon
      YMKD24

      Go to company page Amazon

      YMKD24
      Most PhDs I know, leveraged the time of study as work experience. That's why I said they usually start at level 5.. but yeah, you guys are right.
      Mar 23, 2017
  • Amazon
    zyx

    Go to company page Amazon

    zyx
    Amazon doesnt give a shit about phd, or previous work exp. if you mugged up interview questions and answers then you can get in as l5 or 6 or else l4 only.
    Mar 23, 2017 1
  • Amazon
    Satin

    Go to company page Amazon

    Satin
    I would decline. She should go in as a 5 at the very least
    Mar 23, 2017 0
  • Amazon
    2egdycase

    Go to company page Amazon

    2egdycase
    Ask for 40% more
    Mar 23, 2017 2
  • Amazon / Eng
    eigen

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    eigen
    Stock seems low. However total comp comes to slightly above standard L4. She should ask for more stock. At $850 50K worth of stock is too low for someone with a PhD and 2 years xp
    Mar 24, 2017 0